Socio-economic drivers of specialist anglers targeting the non-native European catfish (Silurus glanis) in the UK

Abstract

Information about the socioeconomic drivers of Silurus glanis anglers in the UK were collected using questionnaires from a cross section of mixed cyprinid fisheries to elucidate human dimensions in angling and non-native fisheries management. Respondents were predominantly male (95%), 30–40 years of age with <10 yr angling experience for S. glanis; most had received college rather than university education. The majority (34%) were employed with low-moderate income status (<£30k per annum), which may restrict time and expenditure spent on angling. Highest angling expenditure was on equipment and bait with most from southern England (54%) spending >£500 per annum. The proportion of time spent angling for S. glanis was significantly related to angler motivations; fish size, challenge in catch, tranquil natural surroundings, escape from daily stress and to be alone were considered important drivers of increased time spent angling. Overall, poor awareness of: the risks and adverse ecological impacts associated with introduced S. glanis, non-native fisheries legislation, problems in use of unlimited ground bait and high fish stocking rates in angling lakes were evident, possibly related to inadequate training and information provided by angling organisations to anglers, as many stated that they were insufficiently informed.

When alien catfish meet—Resource overlap between the North American Ictalurus punctatus and immature European Silurus glanis in the Arno River (Italy)

“…In the Florentine stretch of the Arno River, S. glanis has been reported by anglers since 2004 (Gualtieri & Mecatti, 2005). The increased investigation into invasive S. glanis revealed considerable positive economic (Cucherousset et al., 2017;Rees et al, 2017) but negative environmental impacts (Castaldelli et al, 2013;Copp et al, 2009). The increased investigation into invasive S. glanis revealed considerable positive economic (Cucherousset et al., 2017;Rees et al, 2017) but negative environmental impacts (Castaldelli et al, 2013;Copp et al, 2009).…”

“…In the course of a few years, this species has become the target of many anglers. The increased investigation into invasive S. glanis revealed considerable positive economic (Cucherousset et al., 2017;Rees et al, 2017) but negative environmental impacts (Castaldelli et al, 2013;Copp et al, 2009). At the same time, the North American channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque, 1818) was also introduced to Italy.…”

Do recreational fisheries metrics vary on differently sized fishing grounds?

“…High abundance of unattractive fish in the ecosystem also further increases the amount of time needed to catch desirable fish species on large fishing grounds (Britton, Pegg, Sedgwick & Page, 2007). Selective targeting of larger piscivorous fish species is especially time-consuming (Rees et al, 2017).…”

“…Recreational fishing has been on the rise in many countries and can be counted among the most popular outside leisure activities (Freire, Machado & Crepaldi, 2012;Gupta, Bower, Raghavan, Danylchuk & Cooke, 2015;Marta, Bochechas & Collares-Pereira, 2001;Rasmussen & Geertz-Hansen, 2001). Conversely, several countries have reported declines in popularity of recreational fishing (Cowx, 2015;Post et al, 2002;Salmi, Toivonen & Mikkola, 2006). By studying fishing in European inland freshwater ecosystems, previous researchers stated that recreational fishing has become more important and impactful than commercial fishing (Arlinghaus & Cooke, 2005;Arlinghaus, Mehner & Cowx, 2002;FAO, 2010).…”

Changes in recreational catfish Silurus glanis harvest rates between years 1986–2017 in Central Europe

“…There are several studies that describe recaptures of catfish (Britton, Pegg, Sedgwick, & Page, ) and anecdotal catches of catfish outside of its native range (Gago, Anastácio, Gkenas, Banha, & Ribeiro, ; Moreno‐Valcárcel, Miguel, & Fernández‐Delgado, ). Other studies describe effects of specialized fishing techniques on catfish harvest (Copp, Moffatt, & Wesley, ) and also popularity of catfish angling in general (Rees et al, ). However, there is no study that describes harvest of catfish on larger spatio‐temporal scale.…”